Larut War

The discovery of tin in the Malay Straits in the 1840s, like the example of piracy, betrays one of the real purposes of empire: control of markets. When Long Jaafar died in 1858 his son, Ngah Ibrahim, inherited Larut’s considerable wealth as well as its large Chinese population. The majority of these were Chen Sang Hakka who was members of the Hai San.

In 1861, in what is sometimes termed the first Larut War fighting broke out when another Hakka group from the Fei Chew clan, most of whom were Ghee Hin adherents, attempted to gain control of a water-course feeding the mines of both factions.

Sir Andrew Clarkes

The second war took place in 1865. This was sparked off by a gambling quarrel between two opposing secret society. The third, which took place in 1872, was over a scandal including two families connected with the two different secret societies, and the fourth in 1873 involved the Perak Royal family and another Malay faction.

The “troubles” referred to as the Larut War, dragged in until 1874 when Raja Abdullah managed to influence Andrew Clarkes, the British governor of the Straits Settlement in Singapore to intervene. This led to the signing of the Pangkor Engagement.
Larut War

Pahang War (1891-1895)

A more significant movement against British control occurred in Pahang. A few chieftains in the interior refused to give up their independence and power, and their resistance led to a four year war (1891-1895). 

The most vocal and well known chief was Dato Bahaman of Semantan. Things came to a head in 1891 when the Resident persuaded Sultan Ahmad to sign a decree depriving a district chief, Dato’ Bahaman, of his title. 

The latter came out in open defiance, initiating a series of armed confrontations known as the Pahang War. 

Orang Kaya Semantan, Abdul Rahman popularly known as Dato Bahaman. He was described as ‘the most expert woodsman in the peninsula’, bearing ‘a unique knowledge of jungle craft’.

In December 1891, C.E.M Desborough, Collector of the Semantan district, accompanied by a Sikh and Malay Police Force, arrested three of Brahman’s followers for unlicensed collection of jungle prodcue and refusing bail, took them to court.

Dato’ Bahaman came to their rescue, killing three policemen, capturing the Lubok Trua police station and pursuing the fleeing policemen to Temerloh.

The incident sparked a rebellion that spread rapidly over Hulu Pahang, drawing the chiefs of the Semantan, Jelai and Tembeling Rivers into the protracted Pahang War (1891-95).

Tok Gajah or Imam Perang Rasu and his son Mat Kilau, and Panglima Muda or Jempul – each with his respective grievances with the British residential system, rose in opposition.

Bahaman and his large following of Malays and Orang Asli fought the invaders with hit and run attacks on the police posts. British reinforcements were brought in form other states, and the rebels were forced into the jungle.

The Malays prepared to fight against the British in the end of 1891, and it was not until 1895 that the conflict ceased, when forces led by Hugh Clifford finally forced Bahaman across the border into Kelantan.

On one hand, the Malay chiefs would not accept the regulations put forth by the British and on the other hand, the Malays were dissatisfied with British intervention in Pahang’s politics.

There are many Malay accounts of great bravery in the face of foreign invasion, and a popular warrior Mat Kilau, became a legend during this war.
Pahang War (1891-1895)

Silat in Southern Philippine

The art of silat, is believed to have been introduced by the Bugis native during the second half of the 19th century.

However many believed that Philippines fighting systems have strong historical roots from Malay martial arts such as silat which was arrived earlier than 19th century.

According to history Ferdinand Magellan was killed in the Battle of Mactan in 1521 by forces of the Mactan tribal who used as silat as their fighting systems.

It is also believed that the ninth century Tang dynasty brought goods to the Philippines from East Asia and Malay peninsula. This countries’ combat methods of Kuntau and silat had a great influence on the development of Kali, the mother art of the Philippines.

According to Moro people, it is a malayan word which means offensive and defense with bladed weapon. It is also refers to actual combat. In Philippine the term of silat means ‘kilat’ or lighting referring to the speed of execution.

The silat utilizes hand and foot strikes, throws and locks and attacks to vulnerable points in the body. The Filipino type of silat is often label as kuntau silat.

The silat lessons here are considered top secret by both teacher and students and not everybody can witness the exercise and play.

Silat in Southern Philippine

Raja Haji Riau

Raja Haji Fisabilillah was born at Ulu Sungai, Riau in 1725. He was a fearless warrior and a pious Muslim of Bugis origin.

He led a mercenary force against the Minangkabau invasion in the Johor-Riau-Lingga Kingdom and thus played a crucial role in resorting the Malay sultanate in the eighteenth century.

Malay sultan granted him the office of Yang Dipertuan Muda Riau Malay Empire in 1777. According to Tufhat an-Nafis, the empire was at the peak of power. Under his influence Johor-Buginese authority was imposed on the principal Malay States flanking the Straits of Malacca. These included Jambi and Indragiri on Sumatera.

Riau’s harbor was regularly frequented by hundreds of Buginese, Javanese, Siamese and Chinese vessels, trading in fine goods and staples ranging from European chintz, Javanese batik and silk-weave from nearby island to Siantan to the best shellac and top quality Siam rice.

It was the time when many junks form China and many ‘khatibs’ from Java came to Riau to teach religion. 

In January 1784, Raj Haji began massing troops from Selangor, Riau and Rembau. Two weeks afterwards, he and his allies attacked Malacca. Their effort were thwarted by the arrival of Netherlands government fleet commanded by Admiral Peter van Braam in May 1784 with orders to impress local lords with the power of the Netherlands.

Van Braam attacked Riau in June 1874. Raja Haji later was killed by the Dutch at in Teluk Ketapang Melaka on 18 Jun 1784.
Raja Haji Riau